Holidaymakers at Center Parcs were told to stay in their lodges after a customer “reported overhearing someone mention a suspect device.”

Police were called to the incident at the Elveden CenterParcs near Thetford.

One visitor wrote on Twitter: “We were evacuated from Village Square. Very Scary. Kids frightened.”

Suffolk police were called to the scene at about 8pm last night (Sunday 23), and Center Parcs cleared its main square.

Shops and restaurants were evacuated, along with several hundred swimmers who had been in the nearby pool complex. People were told to return to their lodges and await information.

Police have now confirmed the incident was sparked after a customer reported overhearing someone mention a “suspect device” - but that nothing suspicious was found.

A spokesperson said: “The area has been evacuated as a precautionary measure and, as part of their protocol, Center Parcs staff searched the premises but no suspicious items have been found.

“Police are currently on the scene investigating the incident however at this stage there is no evidence to suggest there is a threat to the public.”

They confirmed that a bomb squad had not been called to the scene.

Earlier on Sunday evening, the team at Elveden tweeted to say: “Due to an incident in the village square, the area is closed for the remainder of this evening. We will update once we have more information.”

Center Parcs told people to watch the park’s television channel for updates and an alarm told people to evacuate.

They tweeted again at 11pm to reiterate the message - but provided no more information for guests.

Some of those staying at the park took to Twitter to seek information and share frustration at the lack of information.

Ellingham Eggs tweeted: “Some information on what is happening would be very much appreciated.”

Police in Cambridgeshire are investigating a series of fraud incidents where a ‘bogus police officer’ has been asking people for money and telling them they are ‘investigating criminal activity’ on their bank card.